Heathrow Closure Disrupts Int’l Mail, Cargo

A fire at a nearby electrical substation closed London’s Heathrow Airport on March 21, disrupting flights around the world as airlines cancelled or diverted flights. News reports indicate the airport could be closed for days.

Royal Mail reported in an emergency services circular with the Universal Postal Union that mail processing will be impacted for another 24 to 48 hours after Heathrow is operational given the backlog at the airport will need to be cleared. Royal Mail’s London Air Mail Unit, International Logistics Centre, Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre and Coventry facilities remain fully operational, the company said.

Heathrow is the U.K.’s largest airport and a key cargo hub, handling more than 1.6 million metric tonnes of freight annually. "The closure has resulted in major disruptions in global supply chains, particularly affecting industries dependent on just-in-time deliveries, such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value electronics," Logistics Insider reports.